Building Homes for Underprivileged Families in Vietnam

  Vietnam

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Multiple start dates year round

Description: Want to build your muscles as well as friendships?

The source of Vietnam's lush beauty is also a cause of real problems for the local population. The monsoon rains that paint the island a deep green also wreak havoc on the poorly constructed houses - and that's where you come in! You'll be working with one of our partner projects south of Ho Chi Minh City re-housing as many families as possible, all supervised by trained professionals (just to make sure they stay standing!). You'll spend your time near the famous Mekong Delta which is well worth a visit and a roll or two of film from your camera, just make sure you leave enough for the jungles, mountains and rice paddies that litter the landscapes as well as all the friends you'll make from the local communities.

*Project details:
This project is organised and run by local organisations and is focused on trying to reduce the levels of poverty in the Tan Phuoc district. The area is very close to the Mekong Delta; a famous tourist attraction in Vietnam and well worth a visit in your free time. This project aims to re-house as many families as possible who are in need of a new home. Alongside the building project there is always the need to help locals improve their English speaking skills by speaking with native speakers.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
The organisation running this project has set themselves very high targets for alleviating poverty in the Tan Phuoc community and need as many helping-hands as possible to assist them. By working on this project you will genuinely be helping the poor people of Vietnam whilst seeing the immediate results of your efforts. If the families targeted by the initiative are not re-housed to higher ground, their homes and their lives will remain at risk to the elements.

Highlights:
* Getting a great workout whilst building and making a positive and tangible difference to peoples lives
* Learning about life in the Mekong Delta - the heart of southern Vietnam
* Food! Vietnamese cuisine is some of the world's tastiest

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
You do not need building experience but you should have a reasonable level of fitness for this project. Working conditions will be hot and resources are basic. This means that activities that could be fairly easy at home are much more difficult on location. You should have a genuine willingness to help in any activity requested and able to handle sometimes repetitive activities. Please note that this can be quite strenuous work and you will also be getting immersed in the local community, learning a bit of Vietnamese along the way.

Your role as a volunteer:
You will be assisting in the building of new houses for the people of the district of Tan Phuoc. This will include: transporting of raw material to the construction area, making cement and helping with all elements of the construction process alongside a professional site coordinator. There will also be an element of Teaching English to the local community; especially the children of the local Secondary schools.

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994